Thunder G Westbrook will play versus Heat

Oklahoma City, OK (SportsNetwork.com) - Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook will return to the lineup on Thursday when the Thunder host the Miami Heat in a rematch of the 2012 NBA Finals.

Westbrook hasn't been in the Thunder lineup since Christmas Day, when he logged a triple-double in a win over the Knicks. The electric guard underwent surgery on his right knee two days later to repair recurring swelling. It was his third surgery in the past year.

"We are all very excited to have Russell back," said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. "He has worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation, and his addition will allow us to build on the progress we have made in his absense."

The Thunder currently sit atop the Western Conference with a 43-12 mark. They are 21-4 with Westbrook in the lineup.

Westbrook is averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds in his sixth season out of UCLA.